Saqr Ghobash Heads National Council Delegation at Marrakech Parliamentary Forum
From June 19 to 20, 2026, Saqr Ghobash, the Chairman of the Federal National Council, is set to lead a significant delegation to the fourth edition of the "Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region." This prominent event will take place under the patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech. The forum is co-hosted by the Moroccan House of Councillors and is held in partnership with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank's Parliamentary Network.
The UAE delegation comprises notable members including Saeed Al Abadi, Aisha Litim, Dr. Ahmed Al Mansouri, Salem Al Amri, Hashima Al Afari, Sultan Al Zaabi, and Tarek Al Marzouqi, the Assistant Secretary-General for Council Affairs. The forum aims to bolster parliamentary dialogue on mutual economic and developmental issues, and to discuss strategies for enhancing economic and trade integration amongst the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf countries while exploring avenues for collaboration with the African continent.
The forum will commence with a high-level opening session that will feature parliamentary leaders and representatives from international and regional parliamentary unions, along with various ministers, officials, experts, and representatives from international financial institutions. The agenda includes several sessions that address critical topics such as "Global Challenges to Economic Integration and Free Trade" and "Stimulating Investment in Artificial Intelligence." Furthermore, discussions will revolve around creating a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf hub for artificial intelligence, and a dedicated session on Africa will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area and connecting Euro-African value chains toward a cohesive space for joint production, investment, and economic resilience.
Moreover, the forum will tackle the generation of job opportunities through the blue economy, the role of small and medium enterprises, and startups as drivers of innovation and youth employment, as well as addressing the impacts of climate change on food security. The event will witness the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding, notably between the Moroccan House of Councillors and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, as well as a memorandum between the Association of African Senates and the Mediterranean Parliament concerning the enhancement of Euro-Mediterranean-African parliamentary cooperation.
As reported by alkhaleej.ae.
